Socioeconomic Status of Immigrant Students in the Context of Teachers' Views

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the socioeconomic status of immigrant students in line with the views of teachers working in schools. The study is a phenomenology research based on qualitative research method. The study group of the research consists of 20 teachers working in the secondary schools in the central districts (Karatay, Meram and Selçuklu) in Konya, Türkiye, in the 2022-2023 academic year. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool in the study. The collected data were analysed by descriptive analysis method. As a result of the analysis of the teachers' views on the current socioeconomic status of immigrant students, problem areas such as social life, communication, economic life, and family life were determined. The problems and conditions encountered in the country of origin pose serious challenges to migrant students and families in every aspect. When these problems are considered as a whole, they disadvantage migrant children in the country of migration. In order to minimize or eliminate these problem areas and to solve them, some practices can be implemented to enhance the language, culture, economic situation of immigrant students and the welfare of their families. Conducting research by referring to the opinions of students and parents in different provinces and levels will contribute to an in-depth and detailed understanding of the socioeconomic status of immigrant students.